Job description
About you:
You’ll bring a blend of technical knowledge, leadership experience and a strong commitment to customer service. You’ll be confident managing budgets, contractors and performance information, and you’ll thrive in a fast‑moving, solution‑focused environment.
We’re looking for someone who has:
A relevant degree (surveying, construction or maintenance) or equivalent experience
Significant experience managing teams, contractors and repair services (5 years+)
Chartered Institute of Housing - Level 4 or equivalent (Or willingness to work towards the qualification
Strong knowledge of housing repairs legislation, Awaab's Law, CDM, HHSRS and asbestos regulations
Experience managing reactive repairs and voids services within a complex asset portfolio
The ability to analyse data to inform good decisions and drive service improvement
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to work across teams and with tenants
Strong IT skills and experience using systems that support operational service delivery
A positive, adaptable and resilient approach, with a “can‑do” attitude
A commitment to resident involvement, equality and diverse, inclusive services
A driving licence and the ability to travel to sites and attend meetings as needed
Above all, you’ll be passionate about delivering great services for Exeter’s residents and helping us maintain safe, healthy homes across the city.
About the role:
We are proud to provide safe, well‑maintained homes and buildings for the people of Exeter. To support this responsibility, we’re looking for an experienced and forward‑thinking Response Repairs Lead to join our Asset Maintenance service.
This is a key leadership role, responsible for delivering reactive repairs and voids services across all Council homes, corporate buildings, communal areas and environmental assets. You’ll ensure that urgent and planned demands are met effectively, that statutory duties are fulfilled, and that residents receive a timely, reliable and high‑quality service.
You’ll lead a dedicated team of surveyors, officers and operatives, creating a culture of professionalism, ownership and continuous improvement. You will work closely with contractors, colleagues and tenants to manage repairs safely and efficiently, ensure compliance with Awaab’s Law, and deliver excellent outcomes for residents.
This role is central to keeping our housing stock safe, secure, and ready for future generations — making a real difference to the lives of our customers and the city as a whole.
About the team:
You’ll join a vibrant, committed and forward‑thinking Asset Maintenance team at Exeter City Council — a group of professionals who are passionate about keeping our homes, civic buildings and public spaces safe, welcoming and well cared for.
Our service brings together specialists from across the property and housing, including Repairs Lead, Surveyors, Technical Officers & Property Enabling Officers.
But the team extends far beyond this. You’ll work closely with colleagues across Housing, Customer Services, Environmental Health, Corporate Health & Safety, Finance, Legal and Procurement, ensuring a truly joined‑up approach to responsive repairs and property management.
You’ll also build strong, productive relationships with:
Councillors, supporting them in their ward roles and helping them respond to residents,
Building Managers, ensuring corporate buildings operate safely and efficiently
Contractors and partner agencies, to drive quality, value for money and service innovation
Residents and tenants, whose homes and neighbourhoods sit at the heart of our work
We’re a team that thrives on problem‑solving, collaboration and service improvement. No two days are the same — you might be supporting a complex repairs case one moment, meeting with Members the next, and later working with surveyors to plan improvements across the city’s estate.
Our culture is supportive, energetic and focused on delivering the best possible outcomes for the people of Exeter. We share knowledge, celebrate successes and encourage new ideas that help us continuously improve.